Education Issue Brief: Assault on Education
Funding Shifts Harm Black Students
Education is severely under attack as the current administration acts to dismantle the Department of Education. The Department has played a crucial role in protecting the civil rights of students and ensuring equal opportunity in education. Moving key education departments to other federal agencies will leave a knowledge vacuum and inability to administer programs.
Proposals for block granting federal education funds to states does not ensure they will be applied to public education. The administration's plan to defund public schools poses a devastating threat for students across the country. There is an ongoing move to support private and charter schools via vouchers and budget allocations. This will undermine educational opportunities and further exacerbate racial disparities in academic achievement.
Federal and state funding shifts have put pressure on public schools, particularly those serving high proportions of Black students.
Repayment Plan Changes, Fewer Benefits
This Administration has made major changes to federal student loan programs and repayment options:
- Large-scale executive forgiveness has been abandoned
- The federal repayment system is being overhauled toward a new, less generous income-based plan (RAP)
- Older income-driven plans are being phased out
- Forgiven balances under most repayment plans may be taxed again
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) continues but with tighter rules on who qualifies
- Normal repayment and collections are fully resumed
- Wage garnishments on defaulted student loans are on the horizon
The cost of college continues to rise for students as federal funding was reduced in the Budget Reconciliation Bill (OBBB). Cuts to financial aid, limits on borrowing, and reductions to safety net programs all make college affordability harder for students.
All of these policy changes exacerbate existing racial inequities in higher education and pose significant barriers to wealth accumulation.
Policy Priority Solutions
Accessible Quality Education
Across the country, access to high quality education remains uneven, especially in communities of color. Many students continue to attend schools that lack certified teachers, updated instructional materials, advanced coursework, and culturally affirming curricula. Our focus is to strengthen access to rigorous, fully resourced learning environments from early childhood through postsecondary education. This includes promoting academic standards that prepare students for college and careers, expanding access to advanced learning opportunities, and supporting culturally responsive teaching. The goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of zip code, receives an education that prepares them for lifelong success.
College Affordability and Student Loan Debt Relief
Rising college costs and mounting student debt remain major barriers for Black students and families. Black borrowers are more likely to take on higher levels of debt, struggle with interest accumulation, and face financial hardship long after completing their education. We can champion policies that make college more affordable and reduce the burden of student debt. This includes supporting debt relief efforts, advocating for expanded grant aid and tuition support, and promoting transparent pathways that reduce total borrowing. By elevating the economic and social impact of student debt on Black communities, the Center can help shape a national conversation around affordability and long-term opportunity.
Equitable Supportive Learning Environments and Equitable School Funding
Students are more likely to thrive academically when their schools provide safe, supportive, and inclusive environments. Schools serving Black students often lack the mental health resources, enrichment opportunities, and wraparound supports that help learners succeed. These inequities are compounded by funding systems that leave many districts with inadequate resources. Our focus is on promoting equitable and predictable school funding structures, strengthening supportive services such as counseling and social emotional learning, and eliminating harmful practices that disproportionately affect Black students. This includes reducing reliance on exclusionary discipline, expanding restorative practices, and improving access to high quality instructional materials and student supports.
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